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Chen H, Zhang Q. Polypeptides as alternatives to PEGylation of therapeutic agents. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:1-12. [PMID: 38116624 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2297937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to the concerns raised by the extensive application of PEGylation, polypeptides have stood out as excellent candidates with adequate biocompatibility and biodegradability with tunable hydrophilicity. AREAS COVERED In this review, polypeptides with the potential to replace PEGylation have been summarized and their application has been reviewed, including XTEN, PASylation, polysarcosine, zwitterion polypeptides, ELPylation, etc. Besides their strengths, the remaining challenges have also been discussed and the future perspectives have been provided. EXPERT OPINION Polypeptides have been applied in the designing of peptide/protein drugs as well as nanomedicines, and some of the pharmaceutics have made it into the clinical trials and got approved. These polypeptides showed similar hydrophilic properties to PEGylation, which increased the hydrodynamic volumes of protein drugs, reduced kidney elimination, decreased protein-polymer interaction and potentially improved the drug delivery efficiency due to the extended circulation time in the system. Moreover, they demonstrated superior biodegradability and biocompatibility, compensating for the deficiencies for polymers such as PEG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huali Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianyu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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2
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Bisht T, Adhikari A, Patil S, Dhoundiyal S. Bioconjugation Techniques for Enhancing Stability and Targeting Efficiency of Protein and Peptide Therapeutics. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2024; 25:226-243. [PMID: 37921168 DOI: 10.2174/0113892037268777231013154850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Bioconjugation techniques have emerged as powerful tools for enhancing the stability and targeting efficiency of protein and peptide therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the various bioconjugation strategies employed in the field. The introduction highlights the significance of bioconjugation techniques in addressing stability and targeting challenges associated with protein and peptide-based drugs. Chemical and enzymatic bioconjugation methods are discussed, along with crosslinking strategies for covalent attachment and site-specific conjugation approaches. The role of bioconjugation in improving stability profiles is explored, showcasing case studies that demonstrate successful stability enhancement. Furthermore, bioconjugation techniques for ligand attachment and targeting are presented, accompanied by examples of targeted protein and peptide therapeutics. The review also covers bioconjugation approaches for prolonging circulation and controlled release, focusing on strategies to extend half-life, reduce clearance, and design-controlled release systems. Analytical characterization techniques for bioconjugates, including the evaluation of conjugation efficiency, stability, and assessment of biological activity and targeting efficiency, are thoroughly examined. In vivo considerations and clinical applications of bioconjugated protein and peptide therapeutics, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations, as well as preclinical and clinical developments, are discussed. Finally, the review concludes with an overview of future perspectives, emphasizing the potential for novel conjugation methods and advanced targeting strategies to further enhance the stability and targeting efficiency of protein and peptide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanuja Bisht
- Department of Pharmacy, Shree Dev Bhoomi Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anupriya Adhikari
- Department of Pharmacy, Shree Dev Bhoomi Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shivanand Patil
- Department of Pharmacy, Shree Dev Bhoomi Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Veer Madho Singh Bhandari Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Shivang Dhoundiyal
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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3
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Maejima A, Suzuki S, Makabe K, Kumagai I, Asano R. Incorporation of a repeated polypeptide sequence in therapeutic antibodies as a universal masking procedure: A case study of T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies. N Biotechnol 2023; 77:80-89. [PMID: 37467927 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Prodrug design is a promising approach for reducing the off-target effects of therapeutic antibodies, particularly bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) that recruit T cells for activation; this design uses masking sequences that inhibit antibody binding until they reach the tumor microenvironment, where they are removed. In this study, we propose PAS, a polypeptide sequence composed of repeated Pro, Ala, and Ser residues, as a universal masking sequence. PAS has no specificity, but can inhibit antibody binding through steric hindrance caused by its large fluid dynamic radius and disordered structure; additionally, its length can be adjusted. We fused PAS to the N-terminus of an anti-CD3 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) and a bsAb, that targets both the epidermal growth factor receptor and CD3, via a recognition sequence cleaved by cancer-related proteases. PAS integration inhibited anti-CD3 scFv binding with higher efficacy than the epitope sequence, and the extent of inhibition was proportional to the length of the PAS sequence. For masked bsAbs, T cell-binding ability, cancer growth inhibition effects, and T cell activation effects were also reduced depending on the length of PAS and were fully restored upon removing PAS sequences using protease. The masking procedure using PAS was successfully applied to another scFv. The provision to adjust the masking effects of PAS by tuning its length, makes PAS fusion a valuable tool for the universal design of prodrug antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Maejima
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Saori Suzuki
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Koki Makabe
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Japan
| | - Izumi Kumagai
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Asano
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan; Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-8-1, Harumi-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.
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Miranda J, Lefin N, Beltran JF, Belén LH, Tsipa A, Farias JG, Zamorano M. Enzyme Engineering Strategies for the Bioenhancement of L-Asparaginase Used as a Biopharmaceutical. BioDrugs 2023; 37:793-811. [PMID: 37698749 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00622-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few years, there has been a surge in the industrial production of recombinant enzymes from microorganisms due to their catalytic characteristics being highly efficient, selective, and biocompatible. L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) is an enzyme belonging to the class of amidohydrolases that catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-asparagine into L-aspartic acid and ammonia. It has been widely investigated as a biologic agent for its antineoplastic properties in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The demand for L-ASNase is mainly met by the production of recombinant type II L-ASNase from Escherichia coli and Erwinia chrysanthemi. However, the presence of immunogenic proteins in L-ASNase sourced from prokaryotes has been known to result in adverse reactions in patients undergoing treatment. As a result, efforts are being made to explore strategies that can help mitigate the immunogenicity of the drug. This review gives an overview of recent biotechnological breakthroughs in enzyme engineering techniques and technologies used to improve anti-leukemic L-ASNase, taking into account the pharmacological importance of L-ASNase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Miranda
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad de la Frontera, Francisco Salazar 1145, 4811230, Temuco, Región de la Araucanía, Chile
| | - Nicolás Lefin
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad de la Frontera, Francisco Salazar 1145, 4811230, Temuco, Región de la Araucanía, Chile
| | - Jorge F Beltran
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad de la Frontera, Francisco Salazar 1145, 4811230, Temuco, Región de la Araucanía, Chile
| | - Lisandra Herrera Belén
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Argyro Tsipa
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Jorge G Farias
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad de la Frontera, Francisco Salazar 1145, 4811230, Temuco, Región de la Araucanía, Chile
| | - Mauricio Zamorano
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad de la Frontera, Francisco Salazar 1145, 4811230, Temuco, Región de la Araucanía, Chile.
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5
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Nguyen TTK, Pham KY, Yook S. Engineered therapeutic proteins for sustained-release drug delivery systems. Acta Biomater 2023; 171:131-154. [PMID: 37717712 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Proteins play a vital role in diverse biological processes in the human body, and protein therapeutics have been applied to treat different diseases such as cancers, genetic disorders, autoimmunity, and inflammation. Protein therapeutics have demonstrated their advantages, such as specific pharmaceutical effects, low toxicity, and strong solubility. However, several disadvantages arise in clinical applications, including short half-life, immunogenicity, and low permeation, leading to reduced drug effectiveness. The structure of protein therapeutics can be modified to increase molecular size, leading to prolonged stability and increased plasma half-life. Notably, the controlled-release delivery systems for the sustained release of protein drugs and preserving the stability of cargo proteins are envisioned as a potential approach to overcome these challenges. In this review, we summarize recent research progress related to structural modifications (PEGylation, glycosylation, poly amino acid modification, and molecular biology-based strategies) and promising long-term delivery systems, such as polymer-based systems (injectable gel/implants, microparticles, nanoparticles, micro/nanogels, functional polymers), lipid-based systems (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers), and inorganic nanoparticles exploited for protein therapeutics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review, we highlight recent advances concerning modifying proteins directly to enhance their stability and functionality and discuss state-of-the-art methods for the delivery and controlled long-term release of active protein therapeutics to their target site. In terms of drug modifications, four widely used strategies, including PEGylation, poly amino acid modification, glycosylation, and genetic, are discussed. As for drug delivery systems, we emphasize recent progress relating to polymer-based systems, lipid-based systems developed, and inorganic nanoparticles for protein sustained-release delivery. This review points out the areas requiring focused research attention before the full potential of protein therapeutics for human health and disease can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thoa Thi Kim Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Khang-Yen Pham
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea.
| | - Simmyung Yook
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea; School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Liang A, Zhou W, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhang XE, Fang T, Li F. Effects of Individual Amino Acids on the Blood Circulation of Biosynthetic Protein Nanocages: Toward Guidance on Surface Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300502. [PMID: 37067183 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Protein nanocages (PNCs) hold great promise for developing multifunctional nanomedicines. Long blood circulation is a key requirement of PNCs for most in vivo application scenarios. In addition to the classical PEGylation strategy, short peptides with a specific sequence screened via phage display are also very effective in prolonging the blood half-life (t1/2 ) of PNCs. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how individual amino acids affect the circulation of PNCs. Here the effects of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids in the form of an X3 or X5 tag (X represents an amino acid) are explored on the pharmacokinetics of PNCs, which lead to the formation of a heatmap illustrating the extent of t1/2 prolongation by each proteinogenic amino acid. Significantly, oligo-lysine and oligo-arginine can effectively prolong the t1/2 of strongly negatively charged PNCs through charge neutralization, while oligo-cysteine can also do so, but via a different mechanism, mediating the covalent binding of PNCs with plasma albumin as a stealth material. These findings are extendible and offer guidance for surface-engineering biosynthetic PNCs and other nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xian-En Zhang
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Ti Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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7
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Koren G, Meir S, Holschuh L, Mertens HDT, Ehm T, Yahalom N, Golombek A, Schwartz T, Svergun DI, Saleh OA, Dzubiella J, Beck R. Intramolecular structural heterogeneity altered by long-range contacts in an intrinsically disordered protein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220180120. [PMID: 37459524 PMCID: PMC10372579 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220180120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-range interactions and long-range contacts drive the 3D folding of structured proteins. The proteins' structure has a direct impact on their biological function. However, nearly 40% of the eukaryotes proteome is composed of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and protein regions that fluctuate between ensembles of numerous conformations. Therefore, to understand their biological function, it is critical to depict how the structural ensemble statistics correlate to the IDPs' amino acid sequence. Here, using small-angle X-ray scattering and time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer (trFRET), we study the intramolecular structural heterogeneity of the neurofilament low intrinsically disordered tail domain (NFLt). Using theoretical results of polymer physics, we find that the Flory scaling exponent of NFLt subsegments correlates linearly with their net charge, ranging from statistics of ideal to self-avoiding chains. Surprisingly, measuring the same segments in the context of the whole NFLt protein, we find that regardless of the peptide sequence, the segments' structural statistics are more expanded than when measured independently. Our findings show that while polymer physics can, to some level, relate the IDP's sequence to its ensemble conformations, long-range contacts between distant amino acids play a crucial role in determining intramolecular structures. This emphasizes the necessity of advanced polymer theories to fully describe IDPs ensembles with the hope that it will allow us to model their biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Koren
- The School of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Condensed Matter, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Sagi Meir
- The School of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Condensed Matter, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
| | - Lennard Holschuh
- Applied Theoretical Physics-Computational Physics, Physikalisches Institut, Albert-Ludwigs-Universit Freiburg, FreiburgD-79104, Germany
| | | | - Tamara Ehm
- The School of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Condensed Matter, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- Faculty of Physics and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, MünchenD-80539, Germany
| | - Nadav Yahalom
- The Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences and Tel Aviv University Center for Light–Matter Interaction, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv6997801, Israel
| | - Adina Golombek
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences and Tel Aviv University Center for Light–Matter Interaction, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv6997801, Israel
| | - Tal Schwartz
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences and Tel Aviv University Center for Light–Matter Interaction, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv6997801, Israel
| | - Dmitri I. Svergun
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Hamburg22607, Germany
| | - Omar A. Saleh
- BMSE Program, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA93110
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA93110
| | - Joachim Dzubiella
- Applied Theoretical Physics-Computational Physics, Physikalisches Institut, Albert-Ludwigs-Universit Freiburg, FreiburgD-79104, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT–Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, Albert-Ludwigs-Universit Freiburg, FreiburgD-79104, Germany
| | - Roy Beck
- The School of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Condensed Matter, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv69978, Israel
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Tosta Pérez M, Herrera Belén L, Letelier P, Calle Y, Pessoa A, Farías JG. L-Asparaginase as the gold standard in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a comprehensive review. Med Oncol 2023; 40:150. [PMID: 37060469 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02014-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
L-Asparaginase is an antileukemic drug long approved for clinical use to treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common cancer in this population worldwide. However, the efficacy and its use as a drug have been subject to debate due to the variety of adverse effects that patients treated with it present, as well as the prompt elimination in plasma, the need for multiple administrations, and high rates of allergic reactions. For this reason, the search for new, less immunogenic variants has long been the subject of study. This review presents the main aspects of the L-asparaginase enzyme from a structural, pharmacological, and clinical point of view, from the perspective of its use in chemotherapy protocols in conjunction with other drugs in the different treatment phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Tosta Pérez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Lisandra Herrera Belén
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Pablo Letelier
- Precision Health Research Laboratory, Departamento de Procesos Diagnósticos y Evaluación, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Yolanda Calle
- Department of Life Sciences, Whitelands College, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Adalberto Pessoa
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge G Farías
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
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Zhang Y, Sultonova RD, You SH, Choi Y, Kim SY, Lee WS, Seong J, Min JJ, Hong Y. The anticancer effect of PASylated calreticulin-targeting L-ASNase in solid tumor bearing mice with immunogenic cell death-inducing chemotherapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 210:115473. [PMID: 36863616 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
L-Asparaginase (L-ASNase), a bacterial enzyme that degrades asparagine, has been commonly used in combination with several chemical drugs to treat malignant hematopoietic cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In contrast, the enzyme was known to inhibit the growth of solid tumor cells in vitro, but not to be effective in vivo. We previously reported that two novel monobodies (CRT3 and CRT4) bound specifically with calreticulin (CRT) exposed on tumor cells and tissues during immunogenic cell death (ICD). Here, we engineered L-ASNases conjugated with monobodies at the N-termini and PAS200 tags at the C-termini (CRT3LP and CRT4LP). These proteins were expected to possess four monobody and PAS200 tag moieties, which did not disrupt the L-ASNase conformation. These proteins were expressed 3.8-fold more highly in E. coli than those without PASylation. The purified proteins were highly soluble, with much greater apparent molecular weights than expected ones. Their affinity (Kd) against CRT was about 2 nM, 4-fold higher than that of monobodies. Their enzyme activity (∼6.5 IU/nmol) was similar to that of L-ASNase (∼7.2 IU/nmol), and their thermal stability was significantly increased at 55 °C. Their half-life times were > 9 h in mouse sera, about 5-fold longer than that of L-ASNase (∼1.8 h). Moreover, CRT3LP and CRT4LP bound specifically with CRT exposed on tumor cells in vitro, and additively suppressed the tumor growth in CT-26 and MC-38 tumor-bearing mice treated with ICD-inducing drugs (doxorubicin and mitoxantrone) but not with a non-ICD-inducing drug (gemcitabine). All data indicated that PASylated CRT-targeted L-ASNases enhanced the anticancer efficacy of ICD-inducing chemotherapy. Taken together, L-ASNase would be a potential anticancer drug for treating solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Rukhsora D Sultonova
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hwan You
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonjoo Choi
- Combinatorial Tumor Immunotherapy MRC, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Young Kim
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan-Sik Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyoun Seong
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Min
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yeongjin Hong
- Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea.
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10
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PASylation improves pharmacokinetic of liposomes and attenuates anti-PEG IgM production: An alternative to PEGylation. NANOMEDICINE: NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2023; 47:102622. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2022.102622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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11
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Najjari A, Shahbazmohammadi H, Nojoumi SA, Omidinia E. PASylated Urate Oxidase Enzyme: Enhancing Biocatalytic Activity, Physicochemical Properties, and Plasma Half-Life. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:46118-46130. [PMID: 36570261 PMCID: PMC9773812 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant urate oxidase (UOX, E.C.1.7.3.3) is an important therapeutic enzyme used in preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced hyperuricemia and severe gout. However, UOX use is limited due to the poor stability and short plasma half-life. To solve this problem, we designed three PASylated variants of Aspergillus flavus UOX with different PAS sequences at the C- or N-terminus. The genes of native and PASylated variants (UOX-PAS20, PAS24-UOX, and UOX-PAS100) were designed and produced in Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3). The expressed recombinant native and PASylated enzymes were compared in terms of biophysical properties, kinetics parameters, and pharmacokinetics behavior using standard methods. PASylation of UOX with PAS100 polymer caused a 1.24-fold reduction in K m to 52.61 μM, and a 3.87-fold increase in K cat/K m for uric acid compared to the native variant. UOX-PAS100 retained its activity in different temperatures (20-55 °C); however, other variants lost nearly 50% of their original activity at 55 °C. UOX-PAS100 exhibited a 1.78-fold increase in hydrodynamic radius and a 1.64-fold larger apparent molecular size in comparison to the native UOX. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy demonstrated that the addition of the PAS tag does not change the secondary structure of the fusion enzyme. The tryptophan fluorescence emission spectra for PASylated enzymes showed a significant modification in the conformational state of UOX by the PAS polymer presence. UOX-PAS100 retained 89.0% of the original activity following 72 h incubation in the presence of plasma at 37 °C. However, only about 61.0%, 57.0%, 50.0%, and 52.0% of activity from PAS24-UOX, UOX-PAS20, native UOX, and rasburicase (Fasturtec, Italy) remained, respectively, at the identical time. UOX-PAS100 had an increased biological half-life (8.21 h) when compared with the rasburicase (3.12 h) and native UOX (2.87 h) after being injected into a rat. Having considering everything, our results suggest that the UOX-PAS100, an A. flavus UOX fused with a C-terminally 100 amino acid PAS-residue, is a proper candidate with enhanced biological activity and extended plasma half-life for clinical therapy in patients suffering from hyperuricemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Najjari
- Enzyme
Technology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Genetic and Metabolism
Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
| | - Hamid Shahbazmohammadi
- Cellular
and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of
Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University
of Medical Sciences, Qazvin 15315-34199, Iran
- Emails
for H.S.: ;
| | - Seyed Ali Nojoumi
- Microbiology
Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
| | - Eskandar Omidinia
- Enzyme
Technology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Genetic and Metabolism
Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
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12
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Friedrich L, Kikuchi Y, Matsuda Y, Binder U, Skerra A. Efficient secretory production of proline/alanine/serine (PAS) biopolymers in Corynebacterium glutamicum yielding a monodisperse biological alternative to polyethylene glycol (PEG). Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:227. [PMID: 36307781 PMCID: PMC9616612 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01948-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background PAS biopolymers are recombinant polypeptides comprising the small uncharged l-amino acids Pro, Ala and/or Ser which resemble the widely used poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) in terms of pronounced hydrophilicity. Likewise, their random chain behaviour in physiological solution results in a strongly expanded hydrodynamic volume. Thus, apart from their use as fusion partner for biopharmaceuticals to achieve prolonged half-life in vivo, PAS biopolymers appear attractive as substitute for PEG—or other poorly degradable chemical polymers—in many areas. As a prerequisite for the wide application of PAS biopolymers at affordable cost, we have established their highly efficient biotechnological production in Corynebacterium glutamicum serving as a well characterized bacterial host organism. Results Using the CspA signal sequence, we have secreted two representative PAS biopolymers as polypeptides with ~ 600 and ~ 1200 amino acid residues, respectively. Both PAS biopolymers were purified from the culture supernatant by means of a simple downstream process in a truly monodisperse state as evidenced by ESI–MS. Yields after purification were up to ≥ 4 g per liter culture, with potential for further increase by strain optimization as well as fermentation and bioprocess development. Beyond direct application as hydrocolloids or to exploit their rheological properties, such PAS biopolymers are suitable for site-specific chemical conjugation with pharmacologically active molecules via their unique terminal amino or carboxyl groups. To enable the specific activation of the carboxylate, without interference by the free amino group, we generated a blocked N-terminus for the PAS(1200) polypeptide simply by introducing an N-terminal Gln residue which, after processing of the signal peptide, was cyclised to a chemically inert pyroglutamyl group upon acid treatment. The fact that PAS biopolymers are genetically encoded offers further conjugation strategies via incorporation of amino acids with reactive side chains (e.g., Cys, Lys, Glu/Asp) at defined positions. Conclusions Our new PAS expression platform using Corynex® technology opens the way to applications of PASylation® technology in multiple areas such as the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetics and food technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Friedrich
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Y Kikuchi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1 Suzuki-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Japan
| | - Y Matsuda
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1 Suzuki-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-8681, Japan
| | - U Binder
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - A Skerra
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354, Freising, Germany. .,Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354, Freising, Germany.
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13
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Cheng Y, Qin J, Huang Y, Wang T. The antimicrobial effects of PLGA microspheres containing the antimicrobial peptide OP-145 on clinically isolated pathogens in bone infections. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14541. [PMID: 36008534 PMCID: PMC9411587 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18690-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection after fracture is a significant problem for the healing of fractures. Antimicrobial peptides combined with PLGA (poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres can open new horizons for treating bone infections. Twenty rats in the control group were treated with physiologic saline solution after surgery, and 20 rats in the treatment group were treated with OP-145 PLGA microspheres and vancomycin after surgery. The biofilms from treatment and control groups were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. Blood samples were collected at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h. OP-145 PLGA microspheres showed significant inhibitory effects on clinically isolated strains (P < 0.05) and there were significant differences in serum CRP (P < 0.05) levels compared with control group. In conclusion, OP-145 PLGA microspheres could slowly release antimicrobial peptides and significantly reduce biofilm formation and levels of inflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 318 Chaowang Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Hangzhou Plastic Surgery Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuliang Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 318 Chaowang Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China, No. 318 Chaowang Road, Gongshu District, 310003.
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14
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Van Trimpont M, Schalk AM, De Visser Y, Nguyen HA, Reunes L, Vandemeulebroecke K, Peeters E, Su Y, Lee H, Lorenzi PL, Chan WK, Mondelaers V, De Moerloose B, Lammens T, Goossens S, Van Vlierberghe P, Lavie A. In vivo stabilization of a less toxic asparaginase variant leads to a durable antitumor response in acute leukemia. Haematologica 2022; 108:409-419. [PMID: 35979719 PMCID: PMC9890011 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.281390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2002] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid since it can either be taken up via the diet or synthesized by asparagine synthetase. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells do not express asparagine synthetase or express it only minimally, which makes them completely dependent on extracellular asparagine for their growth and survival. This dependency makes ALL cells vulnerable to treatment with L-asparaginase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes asparagine. To date, all clinically approved L-asparaginases have significant L-glutaminase co-activity, associated with non-immune related toxic side effects observed during therapy. Therefore, reduction of L-glutaminase co-activity with concomitant maintenance of its anticancer L-asparaginase effect may effectively improve the tolerability of this unique drug. Previously, we designed a new alternative variant of Erwinia chrysanthemi (ErA; Erwinaze) with decreased L-glutaminase co-activity, while maintaining its L-asparaginase activity, by the introduction of three key mutations around the active site (ErA-TM). However, Erwinaze and our ErA-TM variant have very short half-lives in vivo. Here, we show that the fusion of ErA-TM with an albumin binding domain (ABD)-tag significantly increases its in vivo persistence. In addition, we evaluated the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of ABD-ErA-TM in a B-ALL xenograft model of SUP-B15. Our results show a comparable long-lasting durable antileukemic effect between the standard-of-care pegylated-asparaginase and ABD-ErA-TM L-asparaginase, but with fewer co-glutaminase-related acute side effects. Since the toxic side effects of current L-asparaginases often result in treatment discontinuation in ALL patients, this novel ErA-TM variant with ultra-low L-glutaminase co-activity and long in vivo persistence may have great clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Van Trimpont
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Amanda M. Schalk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yanti De Visser
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hien Anh Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lindy Reunes
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Vandemeulebroecke
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium,Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelien Peeters
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ying Su
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hyun Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL, USA,Biophysics Core at Research Resources Center, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Philip L. Lorenzi
- Metabolomics Core Facility, Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wai-Kin Chan
- Metabolomics Core Facility, Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Veerle Mondelaers
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium,Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium,Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim Lammens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium,Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,#PVV and AL contributed equally as co-senior authors
| | - Arnon Lavie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA; The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
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15
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Van Trimpont M, Peeters E, De Visser Y, Schalk AM, Mondelaers V, De Moerloose B, Lavie A, Lammens T, Goossens S, Van Vlierberghe P. Novel Insights on the Use of L-Asparaginase as an Efficient and Safe Anti-Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040902. [PMID: 35205650 PMCID: PMC8870365 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary L-asparaginase (L-ASNase) therapy is key for achieving the very high cure rate of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), yet its use is mostly confined to this indication. One main reason preventing the expansion of today’s FDA-approved L-ASNases to solid cancers is their high toxicity and side effects, which become especially challenging in adult patients. The design of optimized L-ASNase molecules provides opportunities to overcome these unwanted toxicities. An additional challenge to broader application of L-ASNases is how cells can counter the pharmacological effect of this drug and the identification of L-ASNases resistance mechanisms. In this review, we discuss recent insights into L-ASNase adverse effects, resistance mechanisms, and how novel L-ASNase variants and drug combinations can expand its clinical applicability, with a focus on both hematological and solid tumors. Abstract L-Asparaginase (L-ASNase) is an enzyme that hydrolyses the amino acid asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. Systemic administration of bacterial L-ASNase is successfully used to lower the bioavailability of this non-essential amino acid and to eradicate rapidly proliferating cancer cells with a high demand for exogenous asparagine. Currently, it is a cornerstone drug in the treatment of the most common pediatric cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Since these lymphoblasts lack the expression of asparagine synthetase (ASNS), these cells depend on the uptake of extracellular asparagine for survival. Interestingly, recent reports have illustrated that L-ASNase may also have clinical potential for the treatment of other aggressive subtypes of hematological or solid cancers. However, immunogenic and other severe adverse side effects limit optimal clinical use and often lead to treatment discontinuation. The design of optimized and novel L-ASNase formulations provides opportunities to overcome these limitations. In addition, identification of multiple L-ASNase resistance mechanisms, including ASNS promoter reactivation and desensitization, has fueled research into promising novel drug combinations to overcome chemoresistance. In this review, we discuss recent insights into L-ASNase adverse effects, resistance both in hematological and solid tumors, and how novel L-ASNase variants and drug combinations can expand its clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Van Trimpont
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelien Peeters
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yanti De Visser
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Amanda M. Schalk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (A.M.S.); (A.L.)
| | - Veerle Mondelaers
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arnon Lavie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (A.M.S.); (A.L.)
- The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Tim Lammens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (M.V.T.); (E.P.); (Y.D.V.); (B.D.M.); (T.L.); (S.G.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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16
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Ito K, Matsuda Y, Mine A, Shikida N, Takahashi K, Miyairi K, Shimbo K, Kikuchi Y, Konishi A. Single-chain tandem macrocyclic peptides as a scaffold for growth factor and cytokine mimetics. Commun Biol 2022; 5:56. [PMID: 35031676 PMCID: PMC8760323 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03015-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mimetics of growth factors and cytokines are promising tools for culturing large numbers of cells and manufacturing regenerative medicine products. In this study, we report single-chain tandem macrocyclic peptides (STaMPtides) as mimetics in a new multivalent peptide format. STaMPtides, which contain two or more macrocyclic peptides with a disulfide-closed backbone and peptide linkers, are successfully secreted into the supernatant by Corynebacterium glutamicum-based secretion technology. Without post-secretion modification steps, such as macrocyclization or enzymatic treatment, bacterially secreted STaMPtides form disulfide bonds, as designed; are biologically active; and show agonistic activities against respective target receptors. We also demonstrate, by cell-based assays, the potential of STaMPtides, which mimic growth factors and cytokines, in cell culture. The STaMPtide technology can be applied to the design, screening, and production of growth factor and cytokine mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Ito
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-8681, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiko Matsuda
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-8681, Japan
| | - Ayako Mine
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-8681, Japan
| | - Natsuki Shikida
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-8681, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Takahashi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-8681, Japan
| | - Kyohei Miyairi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-8681, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Shimbo
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-8681, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Kikuchi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-8681, Japan
| | - Atsushi Konishi
- Research Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., 1-1, Suzuki-Cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, 210-8681, Japan
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17
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Shi D, Beasock D, Fessler A, Szebeni J, Ljubimova JY, Afonin KA, Dobrovolskaia MA. To PEGylate or not to PEGylate: Immunological properties of nanomedicine's most popular component, polyethylene glycol and its alternatives. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114079. [PMID: 34902516 PMCID: PMC8899923 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylene glycol or PEG has a long history of use in medicine. Many conventional formulations utilize PEG as either an active ingredient or an excipient. PEG found its use in biotechnology therapeutics as a tool to slow down drug clearance and shield protein therapeutics from undesirable immunogenicity. Nanotechnology field applies PEG to create stealth drug carriers with prolonged circulation time and decreased recognition and clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). Most nanomedicines approved for clinical use and experimental nanotherapeutics contain PEG. Among the most recent successful examples are two mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines that are delivered by PEGylated lipid nanoparticles. The breadth of PEG use in a wide variety of over the counter (OTC) medications as well as in drug products and vaccines stimulated research which uncovered that PEG is not as immunologically inert as it was initially expected. Herein, we review the current understanding of PEG's immunological properties and discuss them in the context of synthesis, biodistribution, safety, efficacy, and characterization of PEGylated nanomedicines. We also review the current knowledge about immunological compatibility of other polymers that are being actively investigated as PEG alternatives.
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Key Words
- Poly(ethylene)glycol, PEG, immunogenicity, immunology, nanomedicine, toxicity, anti-PEG antibodies, hypersensitivity, synthesis, drug delivery, biotherapeutics
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Shi
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick MD, USA
| | - Damian Beasock
- University of North Carolina Charlotte; Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Adam Fessler
- University of North Carolina Charlotte; Charlotte, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Marina A. Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick MD, USA;,Corresponding author:
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18
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Stigler L, Köhler A, Koller M, Job L, Escher B, Potschka H, Thiermann H, Skerra A, Worek F, Wille T. Post-VX exposure treatment of rats with engineered phosphotriesterases. Arch Toxicol 2021; 96:571-583. [PMID: 34962578 PMCID: PMC8837561 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03199-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The biologically stable and highly toxic organophosphorus nerve agent (OP) VX poses a major health threat. Standard medical therapy, consisting of reactivators and competitive muscarinic receptor antagonists, is insufficient. Recently, two engineered mutants of the Brevundimonas diminuta phosphotriesterase (PTE) with enhanced catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM = 21 to 38 × 106 M−1 min−1) towards VX and a preferential hydrolysis of the more toxic P(−) enantiomer were described: PTE-C23(R152E)-PAS(100)-10-2-C3(I106A/C59V/C227V/E71K)-PAS(200) (PTE-2), a single-chain bispecific enzyme with a PAS linker and tag having enlarged substrate spectrum, and 10-2-C3(C59V/C227V)-PAS(200) (PTE-3), a stabilized homodimeric enzyme with a double PASylation tag (PAS-tag) to reduce plasma clearance. To assess in vivo efficacy, these engineered enzymes were tested in an anesthetized rat model post-VX exposure (~ 2LD50) in comparison with the recombinant wild-type PTE (PTE-1), dosed at 1.0 mg kg−1 i.v.: PTE-2 dosed at 1.3 mg kg−1 i.v. (PTE-2.1) and 2.6 mg kg−1 i.v. (PTE-2.2) and PTE-3 at 1.4 mg kg−1 i.v. Injection of the mutants PTE-2.2 and PTE-3, 5 min after s.c. VX exposure, ensured survival and prevented severe signs of a cholinergic crisis. Inhibition of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) could not be prevented. However, medulla oblongata and diaphragm AChE activity was partially preserved. All animals treated with the wild-type enzyme, PTE-1, showed severe cholinergic signs and died during the observation period of 180 min. PTE-2.1 resulted in the survival of all animals, yet accompanied by severe signs of OP poisoning. This study demonstrates for the first time efficient detoxification in vivo achieved with low doses of heterodimeric PTE-2 as well as PTE-3 and indicates the suitability of these engineered enzymes for the development of highly effective catalytic scavengers directed against VX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Stigler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Köhler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany.,Chair of Biological Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Marianne Koller
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Job
- Chair of Biological Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Benjamin Escher
- Chair of Biological Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Königinstraße 16, 80539, Munich, Germany
| | - Horst Thiermann
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Chair of Biological Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Franz Worek
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Timo Wille
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany.
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19
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Siegemund M, Oak P, Hansbauer EM, Allersdorfer A, Utschick K, Winter A, Grasmüller C, Galler G, Mayer JP, Weiche B, Prassler J, Kontermann RE, Rothe C. Pharmacokinetic Engineering of OX40-Blocking Anticalin Proteins Using Monomeric Plasma Half-Life Extension Domains. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:759337. [PMID: 34759826 PMCID: PMC8573339 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.759337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Anticalin® proteins have been proven as versatile clinical stage biotherapeutics. Due to their small size (∼20 kDa), they harbor a short intrinsic plasma half-life which can be extended, e.g., by fusion with IgG or Fc. However, for antagonism of co-immunostimulatory Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily (TNFRSF) members in therapy of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, a monovalent, pharmacokinetically optimized Anticalin protein format that avoids receptor clustering and therefore potential activation is favored. We investigated the suitability of an affinity-improved streptococcal Albumin-Binding Domain (ABD) and the engineered Fab-selective Immunoglobulin-Binding Domain (IgBD) SpGC3Fab for plasma Half-Life Extension (HLE) of an OX40-specific Anticalin and bispecific Duocalin proteins, neutralizing OX40 and a second co-immunostimulatory TNFRSF member. The higher affinity of ABD fusion proteins to human serum albumin (HSA) and Mouse Serum Albumin (MSA), with a 4 to 5-order of magnitude lower KD compared with the binding affinity of IgBD fusions to human/mouse IgG, translated into longer terminal plasma half-lives (t1/2). Hence, the anti-OX40 Anticalin-ABD protein reached t1/2 values of ∼40 h in wild-type mice and 110 h in hSA/hFcRn double humanized mice, in contrast to ∼7 h observed for anti-OX40 Anticalin-IgBD in wild-type mice. The pharmacokinetics of an anti-OX40 Anticalin-Fc fusion protein was the longest in both models (t1/2 of 130 h and 146 h, respectively). Protein formats composed of two ABDs or IgBDs instead of one single HLE domain clearly showed longer presence in the circulation. Importantly, Anticalin-ABD and -IgBD fusions showed OX40 receptor binding and functional competition with OX40L-induced cellular reactivity in the presence of albumin or IgG, respectively. Our results suggest that fusion to ABD or IgBD can be a versatile platform to tune the plasma half-life of Anticalin proteins in response to therapeutic needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Siegemund
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Prajakta Oak
- Pieris Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Hallbergmoos, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
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20
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Torres-Obreque KM, Meneguetti GP, Muso-Cachumba JJ, Feitosa VA, Santos JHPM, Ventura SPM, Rangel-Yagui CO. Building better biobetters: From fundamentals to industrial application. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:65-81. [PMID: 34461236 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Biological drugs or biopharmaceuticals off patent open a large market for biosimilars and biobetters, follow-on biologics. Biobetters, in particular, are new drugs designed from existing ones with improved properties such as higher selectivity, stability, half-life and/or lower toxicity/immunogenicity. Glycosylation is one of the most used strategies to improve biological drugs, nonetheless bioconjugation is an additional alternative and refers to the covalent attachment of polymers to biological drugs. Extensive research on novel polymers is underway, nonetheless PEGylation is still the best alternative with the longest clinical track record. Innovative trends based on genetic engineering techniques such as fusion proteins and PASylation are also promising. In this review, all these alternatives wereexplored as well as current market trends, legislation and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin M Torres-Obreque
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanna P Meneguetti
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Bionanomanufacturing Center, Institute for Technological Research (IPT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge J Muso-Cachumba
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Valker A Feitosa
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Bionanomanufacturing Center, Institute for Technological Research (IPT), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João H P M Santos
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sónia P M Ventura
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlota O Rangel-Yagui
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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21
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Köhler A, Escher B, Job L, Koller M, Thiermann H, Skerra A, Worek F. Catalytic activity and stereoselectivity of engineered phosphotriesterases towards structurally different nerve agents in vitro. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2815-2823. [PMID: 34160649 PMCID: PMC8298220 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03094-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Highly toxic organophosphorus nerve agents, especially the extremely stable and persistent V-type agents such as VX, still pose a threat to the human population and require effective medical countermeasures. Engineered mutants of the Brevundimonas diminuta phosphotriesterase (BdPTE) exhibit enhanced catalytic activities and have demonstrated detoxification in animal models, however, substrate specificity and fast plasma clearance limit their medical applicability. To allow better assessment of their substrate profiles, we have thoroughly investigated the catalytic efficacies of five BdPTE mutants with 17 different nerve agents using an AChE inhibition assay. In addition, we studied one BdPTE version that was fused with structurally disordered PAS polypeptides to enable delayed plasma clearance and one bispecific BdPTE with broadened substrate spectrum composed of two functionally distinct subunits connected by a PAS linker. Measured kcat/KM values were as high as 6.5 and 1.5 × 108 M-1 min-1 with G- and V-agents, respectively. Furthermore, the stereoselective degradation of VX enantiomers by the PASylated BdPTE-4 and the bispecific BdPTE-7 were investigated by chiral LC-MS/MS, resulting in a several fold faster hydrolysis of the more toxic P(-) VX stereoisomer compared to P(+) VX. In conclusion, the newly developed enzymes BdPTE-4 and BdPTE-7 have shown high catalytic efficacy towards structurally different nerve agents and stereoselectivity towards the toxic P(-) VX enantiomer in vitro and offer promise for use as bioscavengers in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Köhler
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie der Bundeswehr, 80937, Munich, Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Benjamin Escher
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Laura Job
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Marianne Koller
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie der Bundeswehr, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Horst Thiermann
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie der Bundeswehr, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising, Germany.
| | - Franz Worek
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie der Bundeswehr, 80937, Munich, Germany.
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22
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Ilangala AB, Lechanteur A, Fillet M, Piel G. Therapeutic peptides for chemotherapy: Trends and challenges for advanced delivery systems. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2021; 167:140-158. [PMID: 34311093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The past decades witnessed an increasing interest in peptides as clinical therapeutics. Rightfully considered as a potential alternative for small molecule therapy, these remarkable pharmaceuticals can be structurally fine-tuned to impact properties such as high target affinity, selectivity, low immunogenicity along with satisfactory tissue penetration. Although physicochemical and pharmacokinetic challenges have mitigated, to some extent, the clinical applications of therapeutic peptides, their potential impact on modern healthcare remains encouraging. According to recent reports, there are more than 400 peptides under clinical trials and 60 were already approved for clinical use. As the demand for efficient and safer therapy became high, especially for cancers, peptides have shown some exciting developments not only due to their potent antiproliferative action but also when used as adjuvant therapies, either to decrease side effects with tumor-targeted therapy or to enhance the activity of anticancer drugs via transbarrier delivery. The first part of the present review gives an insight into challenges related to peptide product development. Both molecular and formulation approaches intended to optimize peptide's pharmaceutical properties are covered, and some of their current issues are highlighted. The second part offers a comprehensive overview of the emerging applications of therapeutic peptides in chemotherapy from bioconjugates to nanovectorized therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ange B Ilangala
- Laboratory for the Analysis of Medicines, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Anna Lechanteur
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Marianne Fillet
- Laboratory for the Analysis of Medicines, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Géraldine Piel
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Nanomedicine Development, CIRM, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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23
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Molecular recognition of structurally disordered Pro/Ala-rich sequences (PAS) by antibodies involves an Ala residue at the hot spot of the epitope. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167113. [PMID: 34161780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pro/Ala-rich sequences (PAS) are polypeptides that were developed as a biological alternative to poly-ethylene glycol (PEG) to generate biopharmaceuticals with extended plasma half-life. Like PEG, PAS polypeptides are conformationally disordered and show high solubility in water. Devoid of any charged or prominent hydrophobic side chains, these biosynthetic polymers represent an extreme case of intrinsically disordered proteins. Despite lack of immunogenicity of PAS tags in numerous animal studies we now succeeded in generating monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against three different PAS versions. To this end, mice were immunized with a PAS#1, P/A#1 or APSA 40mer peptide conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin as highly immunogenic carrier protein. In each case, one MAb with high binding activity and specificity towards a particular PAS motif was obtained. The apparent affinity was strongly dependent on the avidity effect and most pronounced for the bivalent MAb when interacting with a long PAS repeat. X-ray structural analysis of four representative anti-PAS Fab fragments in complex with their cognate PAS epitope peptides revealed interactions dominated by hydrogen bond networks involving the peptide backbone as well as multiple Van der Waals contacts arising from intimate shape complementarity. Surprisingly, Ala, the L-amino acid with the smallest side chain, emerged as a crucial feature for epitope recognition, contributing specific contacts at the center of the paratope in several anti-PAS complexes. Apart from these insights into how antibodies can recognize feature-less peptides without secondary structure, the MAbs characterized in this study offer valuable reagents for the preclinical and clinical development of PASylated biologics.
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24
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25
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Tully M, Dimde M, Weise C, Pouyan P, Licha K, Schirner M, Haag R. Polyglycerol for Half-Life Extension of Proteins-Alternative to PEGylation? Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:1406-1416. [PMID: 33792290 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since several decades, PEGylation is known to be the clinical standard to enhance pharmacokinetics of biotherapeutics. In this study, we introduce polyglycerol (PG) of different lengths and architectures (linear and hyperbranched) as an alternative polymer platform to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) for half-life extension (HLE). We designed site-selective N-terminally modified PG-protein conjugates of the therapeutic protein anakinra (IL-1ra, Kineret) and compared them systematically with PEG analogues of similar molecular weights. Linear PG and PEG conjugates showed comparable hydrodynamic sizes and retained their secondary structure, whereas binding affinity to IL-1 receptor 1 decreased with increasing polymer length, yet remained in the low nanomolar range for all conjugates. The terminal half-life of a 40 kDa linear PG-modified anakinra was extended 4-fold compared to the unmodified protein, close to its PEG analogue. Our results demonstrate similar performances of PEG- and PG-anakinra conjugates and therefore highlight the outstanding potential of polyglycerol as a PEG alternative for half-life extension of biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tully
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mathias Dimde
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Weise
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paria Pouyan
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai Licha
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schirner
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Haag
- Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Takustr. 3, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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26
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Khodabakhsh F, Salimian M, Hedayati MH, Ahangari Cohan R, Norouzian D. Challenges and advancements in the pharmacokinetic enhancement of therapeutic proteins. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2021; 51:519-529. [PMID: 33459157 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2020.1839907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, proteins are frequently administered as therapeutic agents in human diseases. However, the main challenge regarding the clinical application of therapeutic proteins is short circulating plasma half-life that leads to more frequent injections for maintaining therapeutic plasma levels, increased therapy costs, immunogenic reactions, and low patient compliance. So, the development of novel strategies to enhance the pharmacokinetic profile of therapeutic proteins has attracted great attention in pharmaceuticals. So far, several techniques, each with their pros and cons, have been developed including chemical bonding to polymers, hyper glycosylation, Fc fusion, human serum albumin fusion, and recombinant PEG mimetics. These techniques mainly classify into three strategies; (i) the endosomal recycling of neonatal Fc receptor which is observed for immunoglobulins and albumin, (ii) decrease in receptor-mediated clearance, and (iii) increase in hydrodynamic radius through chemical and genetic modifications. Recently, novel PEG mimetic peptides like proline/alanine/serine repeat sequences are designed to overcome pitfalls associated with the previous technologies. Biodegradability, lack of or low immunogenicity, product homogeneity, and a simple production process, currently make these polypeptides as the preferred technology for plasma half-life extension of therapeutic proteins. In this review, challenges and pitfalls in the pharmacokinetic enhancement of therapeutic proteins using PEG-mimetic peptides will be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Khodabakhsh
- Department of Genetics and Advanced Medical Technology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Salimian
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Hedayati
- Department of Quality Control, Research and Production Complex, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahangari Cohan
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dariush Norouzian
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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27
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Binder U, Skerra A. PASylated Thymosin α1: A Long-Acting Immunostimulatory Peptide for Applications in Oncology and Virology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010124. [PMID: 33374407 PMCID: PMC7795856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1) is an immunostimulatory peptide for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and used as an immune enhancer, which also offers prospects in the context of COVID-19 infections and cancer. Manufacturing of this N-terminally acetylated 28-residue peptide is demanding, and its short plasma half-life limits in vivo efficacy and requires frequent dosing. Here, we combined the PASylation technology with enzymatic in situ N-acetylation by RimJ to produce a long-acting version of Tα1 in Escherichia coli at high yield. ESI-MS analysis of the purified fusion protein indicated the expected composition without any signs of proteolysis. SEC analysis revealed a 10-fold expanded hydrodynamic volume resulting from the fusion with a conformationally disordered Pro/Ala/Ser (PAS) polypeptide of 600 residues. This size effect led to a plasma half-life in rats extended by more than a factor 8 compared to the original synthetic peptide due to retarded kidney filtration. Our study provides the basis for therapeutic development of a next generation thymosin α1 with prolonged circulation. Generally, the strategy of producing an N-terminally protected PASylated peptide solves three major problems of peptide drugs: (i) instability in the expression host, (ii) rapid degradation by serum exopeptidases, and (iii) low bioactivity because of fast renal clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uli Binder
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Str. 30, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Correspondence: (U.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Correspondence: (U.B.); (A.S.)
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28
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Bunker A, Róg T. Mechanistic Understanding From Molecular Dynamics Simulation in Pharmaceutical Research 1: Drug Delivery. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:604770. [PMID: 33330633 PMCID: PMC7732618 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.604770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we outline the growing role that molecular dynamics simulation is able to play as a design tool in drug delivery. We cover both the pharmaceutical and computational backgrounds, in a pedagogical fashion, as this review is designed to be equally accessible to pharmaceutical researchers interested in what this new computational tool is capable of and experts in molecular modeling who wish to pursue pharmaceutical applications as a context for their research. The field has become too broad for us to concisely describe all work that has been carried out; many comprehensive reviews on subtopics of this area are cited. We discuss the insight molecular dynamics modeling has provided in dissolution and solubility, however, the majority of the discussion is focused on nanomedicine: the development of nanoscale drug delivery vehicles. Here we focus on three areas where molecular dynamics modeling has had a particularly strong impact: (1) behavior in the bloodstream and protective polymer corona, (2) Drug loading and controlled release, and (3) Nanoparticle interaction with both model and biological membranes. We conclude with some thoughts on the role that molecular dynamics simulation can grow to play in the development of new drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Bunker
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tomasz Róg
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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29
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Abstract
![]()
Nanocarriers
(NCs) are promising tools to improve drug delivery
across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) for more effective treatment
of brain disorders, although there is a scarcity of clinical translation
of brain-directed NCs. In order to drive the development of brain-oriented
NCs toward clinical success, it is essential to understand the prerequisites
for nanodelivery to be successful in brain treatment. In this Perspective,
we present how pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD), formulation
and nanotoxicity factors impact the therapeutic success of brain-specific
nanodelivery. Properties including high loading efficiency, slow in vivo drug release, long systemic circulation, an increase
in unbound brain-to-plasma concentration/exposure ratio (Kp,uu,brain), high drug potency, and minimal nanotoxicity
are prerequisites that should preferably be combined to maximize the
therapeutic potential of a brain-targeted NC. The PK of brain-directed
NCs needs to be evaluated in a more therapeutically relevant manner,
focusing on the released, unbound drug. It is more crucial to increase
the Kp,uu,brain than to improve the ability
of the NC to cross the BBB in its intact form. Brain-targeted NCs,
which are mostly developed for treating brain tumors, including metastases,
should aim to enhance drug delivery not just to tumor regions with
disrupted BBB, but equally important to regions with intact BBB where
the drugs themselves have problems reaching. This article provides
critical insights into how a brain-targeted nanoformulation needs
to be designed and optimized to achieve therapeutic success in the
brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hu
- Translational PKPD Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Margareta Hammarlund-Udenaes
- Translational PKPD Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
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Najjari A, Rahimi H, Nojoumi SA, Omidinia E. Computational Approach for Rational Design of Fusion Uricase with PAS Sequences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MEDICINE 2020; 9:90-103. [PMID: 32832488 PMCID: PMC7422847 DOI: 10.22088/ijmcm.bums.9.1.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Tumor lysis syndrome is a life-threatening condition for humans due to the lack of urate oxidase. In this study, several variants of PASylated uricase from the Aspergillus flavus species were analyzed computationally to find the appropriate fusions to solve short half-life and stability concern. The Ab initio method was performed using Rosetta software to structurally characterize the PAS sequences. The 3D structures of fusions were predicted for fused C- or N-terminally PAS sequences in different length to the uricase. The refinement and energy minimization steps revealed that physicochemical and conformational properties of fusions improved while the structures possessed prolonged PAS sequences. Molecular docking results showed that the highest binding affinity to uric acid belonged to uricase-PAS1-100 by the formation of six hydrogen and four non-hydrogen bonds. Altogether, the results indicated that the PASylation process would be promising upon the production of urate oxidase with improved solubility and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Najjari
- Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry,Genetic and Metabolism Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran,Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Rahimi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Nojoumi
- Microbiology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eskandar Omidinia
- Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry,Genetic and Metabolism Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran,Tehran, Iran
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31
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Khodabakhsh F, Salimian M, Mehdizadeh A, Khosravy MS, Vafabakhsh A, Karami E, Cohan RA. New Proline, Alanine, Serine Repeat Sequence for Pharmacokinetic Enhancement of Anti-VEGF Single-Domain Antibody. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 375:69-75. [PMID: 32669367 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic fragmented antibodies show a poor pharmacokinetic profile that leads to frequent high-dose administration. In the current study, for the first time, a novel proline, alanine, serine (PAS) repeat sequence called PAS#208 was designed to extend the plasma half-life of a nanosized anti-vascular endothelial growth factor-A single-domain antibody. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering, and electrophoretic light scattering were used to assess the physicochemical properties of the newly designed PAS sequence. The effect of PAS#208 on the biologic activity of a single-domain antibody was studied using an in vitro proliferation assay. The pharmacokinetic parameters, including terminal half-life, the volume of distribution, elimination rate constant, and clearance, were determined in mice model and compared with the native protein and PAS#1(200) sequence. The novel PAS repeat sequence showed comparable physicochemical, biologic, and pharmacokinetic features to the previously reported PAS#1(200) sequence. The PAS#208 increased the hydrodynamic radius and decreased significantly the electrophoretic mobility of the native protein without any change in zeta potential. Surprisingly, the fusion of PAS#208 to the single-domain antibody increased the binding potency. In addition, it did not alter the biologic activity and did not show any cytotoxicity on the normal cells. The PAS#208 sequence improved the terminal half-life (14-fold) as well as other pharmacokinetic parameters significantly. The simplicity as well as superior effects on half-life extension make PAS#208 sequence a novel sequence for in vivo pharmacokinetic enhancement of therapeutic fragmented antibodies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In the current study, a new proline, alanine, serine (PAS) sequence was developed that showed comparable physicochemical, biological, and pharmacokinetic features to the previously reported PAS#1(200) sequence. The simplicity as well as superior effects on half-life extension make PAS#208 sequence a novel sequence for in vivo pharmacokinetic enhancement of recombinant small proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnaz Khodabakhsh
- Department of Genetics and Advanced Medical Technology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (F.K.); Department of Medical Laboratory, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran (M.S.); Department of Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran (A.M.); Department of Rabies, Virology Research Group (S.K.) and Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group (R.A.C.), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; and Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (A.V., E.K.)
| | - Morteza Salimian
- Department of Genetics and Advanced Medical Technology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (F.K.); Department of Medical Laboratory, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran (M.S.); Department of Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran (A.M.); Department of Rabies, Virology Research Group (S.K.) and Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group (R.A.C.), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; and Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (A.V., E.K.)
| | - Ardavan Mehdizadeh
- Department of Genetics and Advanced Medical Technology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (F.K.); Department of Medical Laboratory, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran (M.S.); Department of Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran (A.M.); Department of Rabies, Virology Research Group (S.K.) and Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group (R.A.C.), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; and Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (A.V., E.K.)
| | - Mohammad Sadeq Khosravy
- Department of Genetics and Advanced Medical Technology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (F.K.); Department of Medical Laboratory, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran (M.S.); Department of Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran (A.M.); Department of Rabies, Virology Research Group (S.K.) and Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group (R.A.C.), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; and Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (A.V., E.K.)
| | - Alireza Vafabakhsh
- Department of Genetics and Advanced Medical Technology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (F.K.); Department of Medical Laboratory, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran (M.S.); Department of Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran (A.M.); Department of Rabies, Virology Research Group (S.K.) and Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group (R.A.C.), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; and Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (A.V., E.K.)
| | - Elmira Karami
- Department of Genetics and Advanced Medical Technology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (F.K.); Department of Medical Laboratory, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran (M.S.); Department of Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran (A.M.); Department of Rabies, Virology Research Group (S.K.) and Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group (R.A.C.), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; and Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (A.V., E.K.)
| | - Reza Ahangari Cohan
- Department of Genetics and Advanced Medical Technology, Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (F.K.); Department of Medical Laboratory, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran (M.S.); Department of Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran (A.M.); Department of Rabies, Virology Research Group (S.K.) and Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group (R.A.C.), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; and Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (A.V., E.K.)
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32
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Schiefner A, Walser R, Gebauer M, Skerra A. Proline/alanine-rich sequence (PAS) polypeptides as an alternative to PEG precipitants for protein crystallization. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2020; 76:320-325. [PMID: 32627748 PMCID: PMC7336357 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x20008328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Proline/alanine-rich sequence (PAS) polypeptides represent a novel class of biosynthetic polymers comprising repetitive sequences of the small proteinogenic amino acids L-proline, L-alanine and/or L-serine. PAS polymers are strongly hydrophilic and highly soluble in water, where they exhibit a natively disordered conformation without any detectable secondary or tertiary structure, similar to polyethylene glycol (PEG), which constitutes the most widely applied precipitant for protein crystallization to date. To investigate the potential of PAS polymers for structural studies by X-ray crystallography, two proteins that were successfully crystallized using PEG in the past, hen egg-white lysozyme and the Fragaria × ananassa O-methyltransferase, were subjected to crystallization screens with a 200-residue PAS polypeptide. The PAS polymer was applied as a precipitant using a vapor-diffusion setup that allowed individual optimization of the precipitant concentration in the droplet in the reservoir. As a result, crystals of both proteins showing high diffraction quality were obtained using the PAS precipitant. The genetic definition and precise macromolecular composition of PAS polymers, both in sequence and in length, distinguish them from all natural and synthetic polymers that have been utilized for protein crystallization so far, including PEG, and facilitate their adaptation for future applications. Thus, PAS polymers offer potential as novel precipitants for biomolecular crystallography.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Schiefner
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Rebecca Walser
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Michaela Gebauer
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany
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33
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Mirzaeinia S, Pazhang M, Imani M, Chaparzadeh N, Amani-Ghadim AR. Improving the stability of uricase from Aspergillus flavus by osmolytes: Use of response surface methodology for optimization of the enzyme stability. Process Biochem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2020.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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34
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Richter A, Knorr K, Schlapschy M, Robu S, Morath V, Mendler C, Yen HY, Steiger K, Kiechle M, Weber W, Skerra A, Schwaiger M. First In-Human Medical Imaging with a PASylated 89Zr-Labeled Anti-HER2 Fab-Fragment in a Patient with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2020; 54:114-119. [PMID: 32377263 PMCID: PMC7198682 DOI: 10.1007/s13139-020-00638-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose PASylation® offers the ability to systematically tune and optimize the pharmacokinetics of protein tracers for molecular imaging. Here we report the first clinical translation of a PASylated Fab fragment (89Zr∙Df-HER2-Fab-PAS200) for the molecular imaging of tumor-related HER2 expression. Methods A patient with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer received 37 MBq of 89Zr∙Df-HER2-Fab-PAS200 at a total mass dose of 70 μg. PET/CT was carried out 6, 24, and 45 h after injection, followed by image analysis of biodistribution, normal organ uptake, and lesion targeting. Results Images show a biodistribution typical for protein tracers, characterized by a prominent blood pool 6 h p.i., which decreased over time. Lesions were detectable as early as 24 h p.i. 89Zr∙Df-HER2-Fab-PAS200 was tolerated well. Conclusion This study demonstrates that a PASylated Fab tracer shows appropriate blood clearance to allow sensitive visualization of small tumor lesions in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Richter
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Karina Knorr
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Schlapschy
- 2Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Stephanie Robu
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Morath
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Mendler
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Hsi-Yu Yen
- 3Comparative Experimental Pathology, Institut für Allgemeine Pathologie und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- 3Comparative Experimental Pathology, Institut für Allgemeine Pathologie und Pathologische Anatomie, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Marion Kiechle
- 4Department of Gynaecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weber
- 1Nuklearmedizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- 2Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- 5Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
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35
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Moncalvo F, Martinez Espinoza MI, Cellesi F. Nanosized Delivery Systems for Therapeutic Proteins: Clinically Validated Technologies and Advanced Development Strategies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:89. [PMID: 32117952 PMCID: PMC7033645 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of protein therapeutics in healthcare is steadily increasing, due to advancements in the field of biotechnology and a deeper understanding of several pathologies. However, their safety and efficacy are often limited by instability, short half-life and immunogenicity. Nanodelivery systems are currently being investigated for overcoming these limitations and include covalent attachment of biocompatible polymers (PEG and other synthetic or naturally derived macromolecules) as well as protein nanoencapsulation in colloidal systems (liposomes and other lipid or polymeric nanocarriers). Such strategies have the potential to develop next-generation protein therapeutics. Herein, we review recent research progresses on these nanodelivery approaches, as well as future directions and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francesco Cellesi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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36
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Powers NE, Swartzwelter B, Marchetti C, de Graaf DM, Lerchner A, Schlapschy M, Datar R, Binder U, Edwards CK, Skerra A, Dinarello CA. PASylation of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) retains IL-1 blockade and extends its duration in mouse urate crystal-induced peritonitis. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:868-882. [PMID: 31819009 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key mediator of inflammation and immunity. Naturally-occurring IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) binds and blocks the IL-1 receptor-1 (IL-1R1), preventing signaling. Anakinra, a recombinant form of IL-1Ra, is used to treat a spectrum of inflammatory diseases. However, anakinra is rapidly cleared from the body and requires daily administration. To create a longer-lasting alternative, PASylated IL-1Ra (PAS-IL-1Ra) has been generated by in-frame fusion of a long, defined-length, N-terminal Pro/Ala/Ser (PAS) random-coil polypeptide with IL-1Ra. Here, we compared the efficacy of two PAS-IL-1Ra molecules, PAS600-IL-1Ra and PAS800-IL-1Ra (carrying 600 and 800 PAS residues, respectively), with that of anakinra in mice. PAS600-IL-1Ra displayed markedly extended blood plasma levels 3 days post-administration, whereas anakinra was undetectable after 24 h. We also studied PAS600-IL-1Ra and PAS800-IL-1Ra for efficacy in monosodium urate (MSU) crystal-induced peritonitis. 5 days post-administration, PAS800-IL-1Ra significantly reduced leukocyte influx and inflammatory markers in MSU-induced peritonitis, whereas equimolar anakinra administered 24 h before MSU challenge was ineffective. The 6-h pretreatment with equimolar anakinra or PAS800-IL-1Ra before MSU challenge similarly reduced inflammatory markers. In cultured A549 lung carcinoma cells, anakinra, PAS600-IL-1Ra, and PAS800-IL-Ra reduced IL-1α-induced IL-6 and IL-8 levels with comparable potency. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, these molecules suppressed Candida albicans-induced production of the cancer-promoting cytokine IL-22. Surface plasmon resonance analyses revealed significant binding between PAS-IL-1Ra and IL-1R1, although with a slightly lower affinity than anakinra. These results validate PAS-IL-1Ra as an active IL-1 antagonist with marked in vivo potency and a significantly extended half-life compared with anakinra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Powers
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | | | - Carlo Marchetti
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Dennis M de Graaf
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045.,Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martin Schlapschy
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Rajiv Datar
- DNX Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California 92121
| | - Uli Binder
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Strasse 30, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Carl K Edwards
- DNX Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., San Diego, California 92121
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Charles A Dinarello
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado 80045.,Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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37
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Powers NE, Swartzwelter B, Marchetti C, de Graaf DM, Lerchner A, Schlapschy M, Datar R, Binder U, Edwards CK, Skerra A, Dinarello CA. PASylation of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) retains IL-1 blockade and extends its duration in mouse urate crystal-induced peritonitis. J Biol Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)49941-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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38
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Eggenstein E, Richter A, Skerra A. FluoroCalins: engineered lipocalins with novel binding functions fused to a fluorescent protein for applications in biomolecular imaging and detection. Protein Eng Des Sel 2019; 32:289-296. [PMID: 31927584 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzz047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
FluoroCalins represent novel bifunctional protein reagents derived from engineered lipocalins fused to a fluorescent reporter protein, here the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). We demonstrate the construction, facile bacterial production and broad applicability of FluoroCalins using two Anticalin® molecules directed against the tumor vasculature-associated extra domain B of fibronectin (ED-B) and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3, a marker of tumor and lymphangiogenesis. FluoroCalins were prepared with two different spacers: (i) a short Ser3Ala linker and (ii) a long hydrophilic and conformationally unstructured PASylation® polypeptide comprising 200 Pro, Ala and Ser residues. These FluoroCalins were applied for direct target quantification in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as well as target detection by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy of live and fixed cells, respectively, demonstrating high specificity and signal-to-noise ratio. Hence, FluoroCalins offer a promising alternative to antibody-based reagents for state of the art fluorescent in vitro detection and biomolecular imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Eggenstein
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Antonia Richter
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
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39
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Gebauer M, Skerra A. Engineering of binding functions into proteins. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2019; 60:230-241. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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40
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Tan H, Su W, Zhang W, Wang P, Sattler M, Zou P. Recent Advances in Half-life Extension Strategies for Therapeutic Peptides and Proteins. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:4932-4946. [PMID: 30727869 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190206105232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Peptides and proteins are two classes of molecules with attractive possibilities for therapeutic applications. However, the bottleneck for the therapeutic application of many peptides and proteins is their short halflives in vivo, typically just a few minutes to hours. Half-life extension strategies have been extensively studied and many of them have been proven to be effective in the generation of long-acting therapeutics with improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in half-life extension strategies, illustrate their potential applications and give some examples, highlighting the strategies that have been used in approved drugs and for drugs in clinical trials. Meanwhile, several novel strategies that are still in the process of discovery or at a preclinical stage are also introduced. In these strategies, the two most frequently used half-life extension methods are the reduction in the rate of renal clearance or the exploitation of the recycling mechanism of FcRn by binding to the albumin or IgG-Fc. Here, we discuss half-life extension strategies of recombinant therapeutic protein via genetic fusion, rather than chemical conjugation such as PEGylation. With the rapid development of genetic engineering and protein engineering, novel strategies for half-life extension have been emerged consistently. Some of these will be evaluated in clinical trials and may become viable alternatives to current strategies for making next-generation biodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanbo Tan
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Wencheng Su
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyu Zhang
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Pengju Wang
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Michael Sattler
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.,Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Chair Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy, Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany
| | - Peijian Zou
- Industrial Enzymes National Engineering Laboratory, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.,Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Chair Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy, Department Chemie, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany
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41
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Sezin T, Murthy S, Attah C, Seutter M, Holtsche MM, Hammers CM, Schmidt E, Meshrkey F, Mousavi S, Zillikens D, Nunn MA, Sadik CD. Dual inhibition of complement factor 5 and leukotriene B4 synergistically suppresses murine pemphigoid disease. JCI Insight 2019; 4:128239. [PMID: 31391346 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.128239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of most autoimmune diseases still relies on systemic immunosuppression and is associated with severe side effects. The development of drugs that more specifically abrogate pathogenic pathways is therefore most desirable. In nature, such specificity is exemplified, e.g., by the soft tick-derived biotherapeutic Coversin, which locally suppresses immune responses by inhibiting complement factor 5 (C5) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). C5a, a proteolytic fragment of C5, and LTB4 are critical drivers of skin inflammation in pemphigoid diseases (PDs), a group of autoimmune blistering skin diseases. Here, we demonstrate that both Coversin and its mutated form L-Coversin, which inhibits LTB4 only, dose dependently attenuate disease in a model of bullous pemphigoid-like epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (BP-like EBA). Coversin, however, reduces disease more effectively than L-Coversin, indicating that inhibition of C5 and LTB4 synergize in their suppressing effects in this model. Further supporting the therapeutic potential of Coversin in humans, we found that C5a and LTB4 are both present in the blister fluid of patients with BP in quantities inducing the recruitment of granulocytes and that the number of cells expressing their receptors, C5aR1 and BLT1, respectively, is increased in perilesional skin. Collectively, our results highlight Coversin and possibly L-Coversin as potential therapeutics for PDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Sezin
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Enno Schmidt
- Lübeck Institute for Experimental Dermatology, and.,Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | | | - Detlef Zillikens
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology.,Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Christian D Sadik
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology.,Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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42
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Brandl F, Merten H, Zimmermann M, Béhé M, Zangemeister-Wittke U, Plückthun A. Influence of size and charge of unstructured polypeptides on pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of targeted fusion proteins. J Control Release 2019; 307:379-392. [PMID: 31252038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Alternative non-IgG binding proteins developed for therapy are small in size and, thus, are rapidly cleared from the circulation by renal filtration. To avoid repeated injection or continuous infusion for the maintenance of therapeutic serum concentrations, extensions of unfolded polypeptides have been developed to prolong serum half-life, but systematic, comparative studies investigating the influence of their size and charge on serum half-life, extravasation, tumor localization and excretion mechanisms have so far been lacking. Here we used a high-affinity Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein (DARPin) targeting the tumor marker epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in a preclinical tumor xenograft model in mice, and fused it with a series of defined unstructured polypeptides. We used three different sizes of two previously described polypeptides, an uncharged one consisting of only Pro, Ala and Ser (termed PAS) and a charged one consisting of Pro, Ala, Ser, Thr, Gly, Glu (termed XTEN) and performed for the first time a precise comparative localization, distribution and extravasation study. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed a clear linear relationship between hydrodynamic radius and serum half-life across both polypeptides, reaching a half-life of up to 21 h in mice. Tumor uptake was EpCAM-dependent and directly proportional to half-life and size, showing an even tumor penetration for all fusion proteins without unspecific accumulation in non-target tissue. Unexpectedly, charge had no influence on any parameter, neither tumor nor tissue accumulation nor kidney elimination kinetics. Thus, both polypeptide types have a very similar potential for precise half-life modification and tumor targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Brandl
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital INO-F, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hannes Merten
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Zimmermann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Béhé
- Center of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Zangemeister-Wittke
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital INO-F, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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43
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Iyengar ARS, Gupta S, Jawalekar S, Pande AH. Protein Chimerization: A New Frontier for Engineering Protein Therapeutics with Improved Pharmacokinetics. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 370:703-714. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.257063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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44
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Enhancing bioactivity, physicochemical, and pharmacokinetic properties of a nano-sized, anti-VEGFR2 Adnectin, through PASylation technology. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2978. [PMID: 30814652 PMCID: PMC6393559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39776-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The crucial role of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling in the angiogenesis and metastasis of solid tumors has prompted the development of inhibitors with minimal bystander effects. Recently, Adnectin C has attracted attention for cancer treatment. To overcome the problematic properties of Adnectin, a novel form of Adnectin C has been designed by its fusion to a biodegradable polymeric peptide containing Pro/Ala/Ser (PAS) repetitive residues. E. coli-expressed recombinant fused and unfused proteins were compared in terms of bioactivity, physicochemical, and pharmacokinetic properties using standard methods. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis of PASylated adnectin C revealed an approximate 2-fold increase in particle size with a slight change in the net charge. Additionally, fusion of the PAS sequence improved its stability against the growth of thermo-induced aggregated forms. The high receptor-binding and improved binding kinetic parameters of PASylated Adnectin C was confirmed by ELISA and surface plasmon resonance assays, respectively. Pharmacokinetic studies showed a noticeable increase in the terminal half-life of Adnectin C-PAS#1(200) by a factor of 4.57 after single dose by intravenous injection into female BALB/c mice. The results suggest that PASylation could offer a superior delivery strategy for developing Adnectin-derived drugs with improved patient compliance.
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Brumano LP, da Silva FVS, Costa-Silva TA, Apolinário AC, Santos JHPM, Kleingesinds EK, Monteiro G, Rangel-Yagui CDO, Benyahia B, Junior AP. Development of L-Asparaginase Biobetters: Current Research Status and Review of the Desirable Quality Profiles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 6:212. [PMID: 30687702 PMCID: PMC6335324 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
L-Asparaginase (ASNase) is a vital component of the first line treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), an aggressive type of blood cancer expected to afflict over 53,000 people worldwide by 2020. More recently, ASNase has also been shown to have potential for preventing metastasis from solid tumors. The ASNase treatment is, however, characterized by a plethora of potential side effects, ranging from immune reactions to severe toxicity. Consequently, in accordance with Quality-by-Design (QbD) principles, ingenious new products tailored to minimize adverse reactions while increasing patient survival have been devised. In the following pages, the reader is invited for a brief discussion on the most recent developments in this field. Firstly, the review presents an outline of the recent improvements on the manufacturing and formulation processes, which can severely influence important aspects of the product quality profile, such as contamination, aggregation and enzymatic activity. Following, the most recent advances in protein engineering applied to the development of biobetter ASNases (i.e., with reduced glutaminase activity, proteolysis resistant and less immunogenic) using techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis, molecular dynamics, PEGylation, PASylation and bioconjugation are discussed. Afterwards, the attention is shifted toward nanomedicine including technologies such as encapsulation and immobilization, which aim at improving ASNase pharmacokinetics. Besides discussing the results of the most innovative and representative academic research, the review provides an overview of the products already available on the market or in the latest stages of development. With this, the review is intended to provide a solid background for the current product development and underpin the discussions on the target quality profile of future ASNase-based pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Pereira Brumano
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco Vitor Santos da Silva
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tales Alexandre Costa-Silva
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexsandra Conceição Apolinário
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Henrique Picado Madalena Santos
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Chemistry, CICECO, Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Krebs Kleingesinds
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlota de Oliveira Rangel-Yagui
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brahim Benyahia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Adalberto Pessoa Junior
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ekladious I, Colson YL, Grinstaff MW. Polymer–drug conjugate therapeutics: advances, insights and prospects. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2018; 18:273-294. [DOI: 10.1038/s41573-018-0005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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